Understanding Open Web Floor Truss Span Charts

The open web floor truss, a popular choice in residential and light commercial construction, offers a combination of strength, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. To ensure the trusses meet your project's specific needs, it's crucial to understand open web floor truss span charts. This guide will walk you through the intricacies of these charts, helping you make informed decisions.

What are Open Web Floor Truss Span Charts?
Open web floor truss span charts are tools that outline the maximum span capabilities of open web floor trusses based on various factors. These charts are typically provided by truss manufacturers and are designed to help builders, architects, and engineers select the right truss for their projects. The charts consider factors such as truss depth, load, and spacing to determine the maximum span.

Factors Affecting Open Web Floor Truss Span
Several factors influence the span of an open web floor truss. Understanding these factors can help you navigate open web floor truss span charts more effectively.

- Truss Depth: The depth of a truss, measured from the top chord to the bottom chord, plays a significant role in determining its span. Generally, deeper trusses can span longer distances.
- Load: The load, or the weight the truss must support, is another critical factor. Heavier loads require stronger, often deeper, trusses with shorter spans.
- Spacing: The spacing between trusses also impacts their span. Narrower spacing reduces the load per truss, allowing for longer spans.
- Ceiling Height: The desired ceiling height can influence truss depth and, consequently, span.
Reading Open Web Floor Truss Span Charts
Open web floor truss span charts are usually presented in a tabular format, with columns for truss depth, load, spacing, and maximum span. Here's a simple example:

| Truss Depth (in) | Load (psf) | Spacing (in) | Max Span (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 20 | 16 | 12 |
| 16 | 30 | 24 | 16 |
| 20 | 40 | 32 | 20 |
In this chart, for instance, a 12-inch deep truss can span up to 12 feet when supporting 20 pounds per square foot (psf) of load and spaced 16 inches on center.
Tips for Using Open Web Floor Truss Span Charts

When using open web floor truss span charts, keep these tips in mind:
- Always consult the manufacturer's recommendations and local building codes.
- Consider using a truss design software or consulting a structural engineer for complex projects.
- Account for additional loads, such as snow, wind, and live loads, when selecting a truss.
- Remember that these charts provide maximum spans. It's often wise to choose a truss with a span slightly shorter than the maximum to account for variations in construction and loading.




















Understanding open web floor truss span charts is a vital step in selecting the right trusses for your project. By familiarizing yourself with these charts and the factors that influence truss span, you can make informed decisions that ensure the structural integrity and longevity of your building.